Early Diagnosing of Foot Problems, The Key to Avoiding Serious Health Issues

With more than 75 percent of Americans expected to suffer from some type foot ailment in their lives, diagnosing foot problems as quickly as possible is the key to avoiding more serious health issues, according to YourFootHealth.com

One of the most complex and intricately-engineered parts of the body, the feet are a network of 26 bones, 36 joints and more than 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons, according to the website, yet most people pay little attention to the warning signs of pain and discomfort until it’s too late. Foot disorders should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to prevent them from developing into more serious conditions. The website says that foot problems can be early warning signs of more serious conditions such as diabetes, nerve problems and trouble with the circulatory system.

“Do a self-check while it’s early,” experts at YourFootHealth.com say. “Treating the problem as soon as possible will save you from a lot of pain – and possibly even save your life.”

The most common foot ailments are corns and calluses, infected toenails and athlete’s foot. Yet the website points out that all of these conditions are easily treated if recognized early.

Corns and calluses, occur when too much pressure is applied to the skin on the foot, such as when pressed inside tight shoes. The condition can be alleviated, according to the website, by switching to wider shoes or the use of cushioning pads. More serious cases, the website states, may require surgery.

Infected toenails are often caused overly vigorous attempts at cleaning the toenails. Over-clipping and going too deep into the sides of the toenail when clipping can cause the nail to throb, swell and become infected, the website states. YourFootHealth.com recommends professional help to alleviate the pain of ingrown toenails. A podiatrist may usually remove the nail spike and clean the area, or in more serious cases, perform a simple operation to remove the jammed area of the toenail.

Athlete’s foot is a fungus that develops primarily between the toes due to overexposure to moist places such as locker rooms and pool areas. “The fungi latch onto the foot and causes it to itch, crack and peel,” the website states. “If untreated during the early stages, the fungi can even spread to the toenails.” The solution, states the website, can be as simple as using readily available over-the-counter sprays, creams and powders.

YourFootHealth.com recommends these tips for keeping your feet healthy and pain-free:

1. Wear shots that fit comfortably and allow them to breathe.
2. Keep your feet dry. If you have feet sweat excessively, try drying them regularly with cotton balls.
3. If possible, avoid wearing the same shoes every day. Allow one pair to dry a day or so before wearing them again.
4. Wash your feet daily and wear clean socks.

For a full list of foot problems and possible remedies, visit www.YourFootHealth.com

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Alireza Farshbaf

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Your Foot Health

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